Raiders TE Michael Mayer thrived in supporting role in Week 1 win

[ASFN Admin]

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer was one of the difference makers in Sunday's 20-13 Week 1 victory over the New England Patriots. Mayer recorded four receptions for 38 receiving yards, coming up with timely completions when starting quarterback Geno Smith needed them. Most notably, he caught a 4th-and-1 with 9:27 remaining in the fourth quarter that helped the Raiders close out the game.

It was a good reminder why the Raiders didn't trade Mayer this offseason.

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Michael Mayer is clutch

#LVvsNE on CBS#IrishinTheNFL | @Raiderspic.twitter.com/yQkLBaBE8X

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) September 7, 2025

Mayer was constantly rumored to be involved in trade discussions this summer. The new regime inherited him and Brock Bowers at tight end. Bowers is a record-breaking superstar, so the league-wide expectation was that Mayer would be dealt.

General manager John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll often refuted that possibility. Coach Carroll is thrilled the Raiders decided to retain Mayer. After the win over the Patriots, he claimed both Bowers and Mayer were "number one tight ends."

Carroll on #Raiders TE Michael Mayer, who had four catches for 38 yards: "He ain't a number two tight end. We got ones."

— Ryan McFadden (@ryanmcfadden_) September 7, 2025

Mayer actually out-snapped Bowers, playing 65 percent of the Raiders' offensive snaps, per ESPN's Benjamin Solak. It was a reminder of his versatility as an excellent in-line blocker. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly was comfortable having Mayer on the field in all situations.

The box score doesn't tell the complete tale, as Mayer was one of the Raiders' unsung heroes in Sunday's opening victory.

This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Raiders TE Michael Mayer thrived in supporting role in Week 1 win

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